Do Musicians Take Medication for Performance Anxiety?
Do musicians take medication for performance anxiety? I get this question a lot now that pharmacology is a bit more accessible on the World Wide Web. Medication for stage fright is highly complicated, and I recommend discussing it with a doctor you trust before trying anything. That said, it is true that some musicians suffering from severe stage fright and performance anxiety are prescribed prescriptions to help with their symptoms.
Remember that stage fright and the occasional jitters are different from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders cause pervasive and invasive anxiousness at a much higher level than simple stage fright. Again, these are things to discuss with your doctor to know whether or not you’re dealing with simple pre-performance jitters or if you have an anxiety disorder that may require a different type of treatment.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are a common medication prescribed for many things, including stage fright. In essence, their job is to lower the heart rate, keeping your sympathetic nervous system from being able to kick into overdrive. Common beta-blockers are propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol.
While it’s very common that doctors will prescribe these medications to people with episodic anxiety, such as anxiousness when flying, performing, or in phobic situations, there are risks associated with these types of medications, and mixing these medications with other medications has potential risks. Some risks associated with beta-blockers are dangerously slow heartbeat (bradycardia), fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. With prolonged use, they can cause hair loss and weight gain. They can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma, low blood pressure, and diabetes.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is a more natural alternative that poses less risk for most people than beta-blockers do. It’s a popular over-the-counter supplement that helps by lowering tension in the nervous system and lowering blood pressure. Magnesium is also great for anyone experiencing tension or muscle cramps and migraine headaches. It was even recommended by my doctor to relieve post-COVID body aches, which worked well.
High doses of magnesium can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. In addition, it can also interfere with certain antibiotics, so be mindful of this when deciding to take this supplement for performance anxiety.
GABA Supplements
GABA is a natural supplement sold around the world as a way to calm excitement in the nervous system. It’s arguably the most popular over-the-counter supplement for stage fright and episodic anxiety, ADHD, and improved sleep and mood.
As of this moment, research shows little to no risk of continued use of GABA over a prolonged period of time and little in the way of potential side effects, but it is recommended to discuss with your doctor if you are taking blood pressure or epilepsy medication.
Key Takeaways
Beta-blockers are a common prescription for people dealing with episodic anxiety, but it does come with risks.
Magnesium supplements are a natural tension-relief alternative.
GABA supplements are a popular way to decrease anxiety and increase mood pre-performance.
